Adrenalectomy
What is an adrenalectomy?
Adrenalectomy is removal of one of the adrenal glands. In health, the adrenal glands are small organs which sit above each kidney and secrete a variety of hormones required for our bodies to function normally every day.
Why do I need an adrenalectomy?
Because there is a tumour on one of your glands or because one of your glands is producing too much hormone (usually there is also a tumour in this case).
Adrenal tumours are very common and are usually picked up during CT scans done for other reasons. These are often call Incidentalomas as they are found incidentally. Most adrenal tumours are benign. Large tumours, those which are growing rapidly or have other concerning features radiologically are more likely to be malignant and therefore surgery may be recommended. All tumours which are secreting hormones should usually be removed, regardless of their size.
Can I live without one of my adrenal glands?
As long as the other one is functioning normally, there should be no long term problems with only one adrenal gland. Sometimes over production of a hormone from one adrenal can make the other adrenal gland lazy. There may be a temporary requirement for hormone supplementation following adrenalectomy until your remaining gland wakes up and gets back into action.
How is adrenalectomy performed?
Usually it is performed laparoscopically or keyhole under general anaesthetic. Very rarely an open surgery via a large incision is required.